I have been asked to speak and share my story!

Tamishumate
Tamishumate Posts: 1,171 Member
edited September 20 in Success Stories
first off, not sure if this is the place to post it, but whatever, lol.
The owner of the store that I work at, asked me if I would be a featured speaker at her woman's group at her church . ( they are LDS, and they have a monthly meeting , I guess they plan it a year out) She said I could pick any month I wanted, and that she thinks I am so inspiring and that many people would want to hear how I did it. ( She tells everyone about me all the time, lol) I told her YES, and that I would do it in April or may, hoping I Will be at my goal weight by then. But OMG, I am so nervous thinking about it. I dont know how many people will be there, but what if its A LOT?? And what do I say?? I know I have some time to think about it, but I am freaking out a bit! lol

Replies

  • weaklink109
    weaklink109 Posts: 2,831 Member
    Tami,

    Don't freak!!! You have plenty of time to prepare, so chill.:flowerforyou: It is a great compliment to you that your employer would ask you to do this. LDS folks have just as many challenges to good health as the rest of the world, and I am sure your personal experience could be very inspiring.

    I find it very easy to talk about my experience. Today, I was in line at Starbucks and I started talking to the woman behind me and by the time we got our coffees, she wanted to sit down and hear more about MFP. We ended up talking for about 30 minutes.

    I have seen enough of your posts in response to others on the website to know you will do just FINE!! So look upon it as an opportunity to educate others!! Good luck!!

    Barb
  • wks7777
    wks7777 Posts: 230
    You will be great! Dont worry! U have accomplished something amazing!I understand feeling nervous becuz public speaking scares the crap out of me but its mind over matter it really is!Just get prepared and just be candid and talk to them how u would talk to a friend, that puts everyone at ease!
  • Tamishumate
    Tamishumate Posts: 1,171 Member
    thank you so much, yes I do have a long time to prepare for it, I guess I am just not sure how to start, what to say, I am going to start writting things down that I want to say. But I am just not sure how much to say...
    My husband said " you will be great, you LOVE talking about yourself!" lol
  • tlapdx72
    tlapdx72 Posts: 311 Member
    I know you will do great!! You inspire me everytime I read one of your posts. I am sure you will be doing a very wonderful thing by inspiring the ladies in the group. Also, as you take the time to write about your experiance, you may find that it helps you as well. Congrats to you!! You are a beautiful person inside and out :flowerforyou:
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,422 Member
    You may be able to find a "Toastmasters" group in your area. It is an organization that conducts hour long get-togethers and help people get over their fear of public speaking. You get to practice in a safe, supportive, non-threatening setting and they give you tips on how to focus and speak before groups.

    Check it out:

    http://www.toastmasters.org/
  • linzismith
    linzismith Posts: 139 Member
    if i were you i'd definitely ask how many people will be there. if it's a group of like 12 people and you'll just be sitting down for an informal conversation around the table then that's one thing. but if you'll be at a podium in front of like 50 people that's totally different. also, you might want to ask if there's an average age.

    either way you will do awesome, but it will help you prepare if you know your audience.
  • rtmama
    rtmama Posts: 403 Member
    Congratulations! It sounds like a great opportunity to inspire others! But I feel your pain, I would be nervous too, but once tou start talking, you'll relax.

    You'll do a great job!!!
  • Georg
    Georg Posts: 1,728 Member
    You're so inspiring!
    You'll be great. People will love hearing about your dedication & perseverence. It's been a long difficult journey, but you've done great & many of us have benefited from your experience.
    Every time you think of something you want to remember to say, jot it down. Save the notebook & then when it gets closer, decide how you want to put it together. It will be wonderful!
    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • epoeraven
    epoeraven Posts: 458 Member
    What an honor!!!! Wow!!

    I have found when I am asked to speak to a group like you have been that just admitting up front that I am a bit nervous has helped me connect better with my audience. It helps me relate better.
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
    That is so exciting!!! Congratulations Just be honest about your journey and if you kept a journal take some things out of there. Good Luck.
  • MisdemeanorM
    MisdemeanorM Posts: 3,493 Member
    Congrats / good luck!

    Be sure to print out and bring some before and after photos to pass around.

    Also, you should do a couple daily entries and print them out.

    Do one that is eating right and staying in your calories. Make sure it shows LOTS of food so you can see how much you can eat on (ie) 1,200 calories.

    Then do one that is (ie) 1,200 calories but is "wasted" by eating something like a pop tart for breakfast, that uses as much calories as a bowl of oatmeal and some fruit that will keep you full longer.

    Then, do one that is full of fast food and Hot Pockets and 8 cups of coffee so they can see how fast this piles up. Print each of these out and bring them with.

    Also - talk about eating your exercise calories. Maybe about a HRM if you have one.

    And of course (!!) about the need for support and goals!
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    Awesome!!
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    You may be able to find a "Toastmasters" group in your area. It is an organization that conducts hour long get-togethers and help people get over their fear of public speaking. You get to practice in a safe, supportive, non-threatening setting and they give you tips on how to focus and speak before groups.

    Check it out:

    http://www.toastmasters.org/

    Good idea! My BFF is a member and she loves the monthly meetings and helpful hints
  • emilyfh
    emilyfh Posts: 291 Member
    Congradulations, that is an awsome opportunity to speak on what you have been doing. Just outline what you have been doing. Like; 1.Exercise a) how often b)what you been doing 2. Foods to avoid and replace it with 3. Recipes 4............. you will be fine. As long as you have a outline, the words will just flow out of your mouth because your living and doing it. Your will just be talking about what you been doing. Your awsome and just think of the people you will help. Again Congradulations :flowerforyou:
  • Amy_B
    Amy_B Posts: 2,317 Member
    That is so wonderful!!! You truly do have an inspirational story.
  • Tamishumate
    Tamishumate Posts: 1,171 Member
    thanks for all the tips! I will keep you posted as the date draws closer!
  • msh0530
    msh0530 Posts: 1,675 Member
    You are such an inspiration, I am sure that you will be fine. Keep us posted!
This discussion has been closed.

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